Time to boycott Donnelly Group?

The Donnelly Group runs a number of pubs and clubs in the Lower Mainland. Running establishments in the Lower Mainland, especially ones that are licensed can be a tough business, and one that is extremely competitive, no matter how tepid the Vancouver nightlife scene is. That being said, operating your business or enforcing systematic racism is of no ones benefit, and only encourages Vancouver as being a ‘no fun city’.

Let’s start with story number one, Library Public House, a frequent stop for fans on their way to Canucks games was charged that the bouncer or doorman or man with clipboard was racial profiling. This came about when a patron who was Indo Canadian came out for a smoke, and upon his attempt at re-entering was told that the bar wasn’t letting any more brown people inside. The fellas’ friend who happens to be Caucasian, came out looking for him, when she approached the doorman, his response was the same – ‘no more brown people’. Of course, when this story went public, the president of the Donnelly Group, Jeff Donnelly denied any wrongdoing. He said the person was denied reentry because he was intoxicated. Having the comfort of no proof either way, most people cautiously accepted his side of events. Well, you may want to double check who you believe after the most recent turn of events.

This after an individual who also happens to be Indo Canadian was denied a booking reservation at Republic, another Donnelly establishment based on the names in his reservation request. Now, this just ain’t an accusation or assumption, somehow the potential patron was CC’ed in on an email exchange between a VIP host and Operations Manager.

I could write forever about how utterly shameful the practice is, and how a boycott might be the only way to stop this tide of racism. The sad thing is that when I was talking about this story with other folks, South Asian and not, some of them actually had a ‘it is what it is’ feeling towards it. That’s not what’s going to create change or move us forward.

I’m pretty sure Jeff Donnelly will come out with another bullshit sense of reasoning or excuse, or talk about apologies, and sensitivity training, the Operations Manager not working there anymore….blah, blah, blah. At the end of the day, the type of vision or mission a company and its employees follows, usually comes right from the top.

Here’s the email exchange below, courtesy of News 1130…

Email exchange:

****,

Thank you for your interest in visiting Republic. Unfortunately due to current reservations we are unable to accommodate your group. Please feel free to re-apply for another night in the future.

Cheers,

***** *****
Operations Manager
DHM
**@dhmbars.ca

—–Original Message—–
From: ****** [mailto:******@dhmbars.ca]
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 3:15 PM
To: ***** *****
Subject: Re: Donnelly website contact form message

Yup. All the names speak for itself.

—–Original Message—–
From: “******” **@dhmbars.ca
Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:56:13
To:<******@dhmbars.ca>
Subject: RE: Donnelly website contact form message

Is that a no?

****** *****
Operations Manager
DHM
**@dhmbars.ca

—–Original Message—–
From: ***** [mailto:******@dhmbars.ca]
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 11:52 AM
To: **********
Subject: Re: Donnelly website contact form message

Nice response. Wish I could help them out.

—–Original Message—–
From: “*****” **@dhmbars.ca
Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:23:32
To:<******@dhmbars.ca>
Subject: FW: Donnelly website contact form message

Can you see the below response.

Thanks!

****** *****
Operations Manager
DHM
**@dhmbars.ca

From: *********@hotmail.com
To: **@dhmbars.ca
Subject: RE: Donnelly website contact form message
Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 19:33:04 -0700

*****,

I do not understand the need for names as I have stated the information regarding our group below. Wouldn’t I provide this after approval?

Anyways here you go…

Full names are as follows:

Guys…

**** Saran – 29
**** Sandhu – 29
***** Dhothar – 27
***** Grewal – 27
***** Sandhar – 28
***** Grewal – 28
***** Sian – 28

Girls…

***** Malhi – 27
***** Dhillon – 26
***** Sandhar – 28
***** Gill – 26
***** Gill – 25
***** Karaul – 25
***** Johal – 25
***** Deol – 25
***** Cheema – 25
***** Bains – 26
***** Johal – 28
***** Janda – 26
***** Gill – 26

The group is +/- 5 people. You have to understand that at this stage with no confirmation or pricing/seating I am unable to guarantee the names nor exact amount of people. I have been to many venues (miami/vegas/ny/montreal) and never have I been asked to do this… but hey this is vancouver.. and I understand reputations have been built. Part of the reason of getting VIP service is to come to the club from dinner. Straight in… party… and go straight home. The majority of the people in my group are not regular party go-ers. I’m just the one stuck on trying to plan all this…

We are all a group of professionally employed mature people. I can guarantee a clean criminal history if that is your concern.

****

From: **@dhmbars.ca
To: *********@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: Donnelly website contact form message
Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 12:10:04 -0700

****,

Thank you for your interest in visiting Republic. Can you please send me some more information about your group including everyone’s full names and ages.

Approval still pending

Cheers,

—–Original Message—–
From: automated@dhmbars.ca [mailto:automated@dhmbars.ca]
Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2008 11:07 PM
To: **@dhmbars.ca; **@dhmbars.ca; **@dhmbars.ca; **@dhmbars.ca
Subject: Donnelly website contact form message

A new message has been posted on the contact form of the Donnelly Nightclubs website. The details are as follows -

Email: *********@hotmail.com
Name First: ****
Name Last: Saran
Tel: 604.***.****
Date: Sat.04.12.08
Number in Group: 20-25
Msg: Venue: Republic

I apologize for the short notice:

Event: Birthday Party.

Our Group: Mature fun crowd. 20 or so ladies; 5 or so gentlemen. Ages 25-29.

1. Would you be able to accommodate us?

2. What are my options (ie bottles/tables/location)?

Any information would be greatly appreciated. If it is not possible please kindly let me know as well.

Thank you,

****

Original statement from the Donnelly Group to News1130 after an incident at Library Square:

Hello ******,
Please see the statement below from the Donnelly Group, outlining what can be confirmed at this time.

Regards, ********

Statement regarding incident at Library Square:

The Donnelly Group is a Vancouver based company that has operated in our diversely multicultural City since 1999.

Based on our employee’s incident report, two of the patrons making these allegations were asked to leave the premises for intoxication and aggressive behaviour. The employee was then threatened and physically accosted by the patrons prior to these allegations.

The Donnelly Group does not condone violence or prejudice of any kind. According to the incident report submitted on the night of the incident, it is our understanding that our employee did not say anything or act in any manner that does not represent these important company values.”

**** *******

President

The Donnelly Group